IPL 2022 | KL Rahul opens up on parting ways with Punjab Kings

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Stylish Indian opener and former Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper KL Rahul has opened up about his decision to part ways with the Preity Zinta co-owned franchise.


Rahul, who was a run-scoring juggernaut for the Punjab-based franchise ever since he made his debut for them in 2018, will be leading the new IPL franchise- Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) this season. He has piled up 2,548 runs in 55 matches for PBKS with an outstanding average of 54.9.


Speaking to Red Bull Cricket, the Karnataka cricketer admitted that while it was a tough call to part ways with Punjab, he wanted to move on and explore other avenues.


"I have been with them for four years and I’ve had a great run with them. Just wanted to see what’s in store for me and if there’s a new journey for me. It was a tough call obviously. I have been attached to Punjab for a long time. I wanted to see if I can do something else,” he said. 


KL Rahul was drafted in by the Sanjeev Goenka-owned franchise at the price of INR 15 crore ahead of the IPL mega-auction. Soon after, the elegant batter was also named as the captain for the side.


Earlier, PBKS coach Anil Kumble, during an interaction with Star Sports opened up on Rahul's decision to part ways with the franchise.


"Obviously we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour his decision. It's the player's prerogative.", said the former Indian leggie.


Rahul’s newly formed side will open their campaign against fellow debutants- the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 28.

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